A TRIAL to help test how nature based solutions such as creating wetlands can be used to help reduce the risk of flooding has been successfully completed at a farm in Earby.

The work at Marlfield Farm is one of a number of pilot projects within the Leeds flood alleviation scheme. It uses Natural Flood Management (FFM) techniques in a bid to help protect those living near the River Aire and in Leeds, from the risk of flooding.

Evidence from such projects is being gathered to fully understand the benefits of the natural flood management techniques - which include hedge and tree planting - and to develop how best to work with landowners, tenants and key partners in the future.

A team from the Environment Agency has been working with the River Stewardship Company and landowners at Marlfield Farm, which is on the border of North Yorkshire and Lancashire, since last September to slow the flow of rainwater and provide better habitat for local wildlife.

Work has included wetland creation, hedge and tree planting, leaky barrier installation and the fencing off of corners of fields from grazing so that more vegetation can grow, helping to store and slow the flow of water across land.

It is hoped the Earby project will be the first of many natural flood management schemes, and in order to help more landowners see the benefits, and perhaps install similar measures on their own land, a tour of the work was organised by the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Jenny Barlow, flood risk adviser with the Environment Agency, said a time-lapse camera had been fitted on the farm in Earby to help show the difference that the project is making.

She said: “We are very grateful to the landowners for working with us to trial these techniques on their land and delighted as the initial results at Marlfield Farm are positive. This project will contribute to local flood risk reduction and provide wider environmental benefits, slowing the flow of water locally and to downstream communities including Leeds.

“Earby has a history of flooding and although these natural techniques will not prevent this from ever happening again, we hope that our success at Earby will be a catalyst for more landowners to come forward and work with us to install more of these measures. These will have a cumulative benefit and should help the landscape to hold more water during flood events. ”

She added: “Natural Flood Management also offers huge potential for climate mitigation, for example, creating wetlands, restoring our uplands and planting trees can help to capture tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.”

Daniel Procter, who together with his wife Heather and parents Howard and Lynda, own Marlfield Farm said: “We are pleased to support the trial of NFM techniques on our farm having witnessed first-hand how quickly the river reacts to flash flooding.

“The features have already been tested and have responded well to recent flooding events, in particular to Storm Ciara.”

He added: “We are also excited about the added environmental benefits of these measures. We keep rare breed sheep and are keen to strike a balance between farming and conservation. The creation of new ponds, wetland habitats and hedgerows will complement our existing efforts to boost the biodiversity on our farm and in the local area.”

Adam Rollitt, chief executive of the River Stewardship Company, which is carrying out the works on behalf of the Environment Agency said: “It has been a privilege to have worked on this exciting project, complementing the river channel maintenance and engagement work that we are delivering further downstream in Leeds as part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.

“It is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when working with land owners and other partners, and it is great to see some of the early, positive results.”

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “Natural flood management techniques are a very interesting and clever way of using the environment to help reduce the risk and impact of flooding.

“The fact these measures will be in place so far upstream of Leeds shows how committed we are to a whole catchment approach to protect all our communities at risk of flooding from the River Aire.”

A video showing how the work at Marlfield Farm helped during recent storms, can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yK9qnNzloM

Any landowners interested in using natural flood management techniques on their land can contact the NFM project team by emailing: LeedsFAS.nfm@environment-agency.gov.uk